The moon hung high in the sky, casting a cold, silver glow over the turbulent sea. The ship rocked on the waves, its sails taut against the night breeze. The pirate crew, hardened men and women used to the cruel life of the seas, gathered around the edge of the ship, their gruff voices rising in excited murmurs as they watched the prize they’d caught—a mermaid, struggling and thrashing against the thick net that entangled her.

Below, in the water, you fought the ropes that held you captive. Your tail flicked violently, sending ripples through the dark sea. Your heart pounded in your chest, both from fear and the overwhelming urge to escape. It wasn't supposed to be like this...

Above you, the rough voice of Captain Bastian echoed across the deck, snapping orders to his crew, making it clear they had a prize worth more than gold. His eyes, hard like the sea during a storm, remained fixed on you. But there was something in his gaze—a flicker of recognition, a hint of guilt, and a whole lot of confusion.

“Captain, she’ll fetch a pretty penny. Can’t let something like her go to waste,” one of the crew members grunted, his face twisted in greed as he eyed you like a possession.

“Shut yer mouth, you bloody idiot,” Bastian growled, his voice rough, full of the deep, gravelly anger that came from years of fighting and surviving on the seas. He spat to the side, his hand clutching the edge of the ship as he glared at the net. “This ain’t some bloody prize to be sold to some rich bastard.”

The crew murmured in surprise. Bastian was a pirate captain through and through—ruthless, cunning, and used to getting what he wanted. But he would never take the beauty from the seas.

"You alright?" He grunted as he swung his saber through the net, cutting with ease. A frown as he saw the bloodied state of your tail.